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European leaders warned that Greenland’s sovereignty is not negotiable, as President Donald Trump said there was “no going back” on his push to take control of the territory and declined to rule out the use of force. 

Meanwhile, the UK defended its Chagos Islands agreement with Mauritius after criticism from Trump, and Canada’s prime minister said the existing international order is no longer returning. 

All the details ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇪🇺🇬🇱 Von der Leyen warns US over Greenland: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Greenland’s sovereignty is “non-negotiable” and that the EU response to President Trump’s threats and proposed tariffs would be “unflinching, united and proportional.” She added that the “old order” is dead, criticised the tariffs as a mistake, noted divisions within the EU, and said Europe must adapt by strengthening global partnerships.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧🇲🇺 UK defends Chagos deal: The UK government defended its agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia military base after President Trump criticised the deal and said he opposed it. UK officials said the deal protects national security and retains allied backing, while Mauritius reaffirmed its sovereignty claim and UK political reactions remained divided.

3️⃣ 🇮🇳🇦🇪 India and UAE deepen ties: India and the United Arab Emirates agreed to expand defence, trade and nuclear cooperation, including plans for nuclear reactors, a $3bn LNG deal, and a goal to double bilateral trade to $200bn by 2032. Their leaders also discussed Yemen, Gaza and Iran, condemned “cross-border terrorism,” and Indian officials said the pact reflects existing cooperation rather than a response to specific events.

4️⃣ 🇹🇬🇧🇫 Togo extradites ex-Burkina Faso leader: Togo arrested and extradited former Burkina Faso leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who is accused of plotting to assassinate President Ibrahim Traoré and of multiple financial crimes. Burkina Faso pledged fair-trial guarantees and no use of the death penalty as authorities cited ongoing security tensions.

5️⃣ 🇺🇳🇮🇱 UN accuses Israel over UNRWA site: The United Nations accused Israel of an “unprecedented attack” after Israeli authorities began demolishing a long-used UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem. Israel said the seizure was lawful and cited security concerns linked to the agency, which UNRWA denies, while the UN said the site is protected under international law.

Major Story

🇺🇸🇬🇱 Trump doubles down on Greenland takeover

US President Donald Trump said there is “no going back” on his push to take control of Greenland, calling the territory “imperative” and declining to specify how far he would go when questioned at the White House. He said discussions on Greenland would feature in meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos and suggested the situation would “work out pretty well,” while also refusing to rule out the use of military force when asked directly.

Trump defended his record on Nato, saying the alliance would be “happy,” but separately questioned whether it would come to the United States’ aid if needed, despite reaffirming its importance to global security. European leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen warned against challenges to sovereignty and the rule of law.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇨🇦 Carney warns old order is gone: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the “old order is not coming back” and urged middle powers to cooperate against economic coercion while reaffirming Canada’s commitment to NATO, Greenland and Denmark. He warned that major powers are using tariffs and economic integration as leverage and said Canada is building new coalitions and trade partnerships.

2️⃣ 📉 Markets fall on Greenland tensions: Global stock markets fell sharply after President Trump’s intensified threats over Greenland and tariff warning for Denmark and other European countries. Losses spread across Europe and Asia as investors reacted to fears of escalating transatlantic tensions and uncertainty over the possible use of force.

3️⃣ 🇺🇸🇩🇰 Newsom urges Europe to push back: California Governor Gavin Newsom criticised President Trump’s push to take over Greenland and urged European leaders to respond forcefully rather than seek compromise. His remarks came as the EU weighs countermeasures to threatened US tariffs and reiterates support for Denmark’s sovereignty.

4️⃣ 🇸🇾 SDF withdraws from IS camp: Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces withdrew from the al-Hawl detention camp citing rising security threats and lack of international support, as the United States said it would no longer back the SDF and would work with Syria’s central government against Islamic State. The move comes amid rapid government advances, uncertainty over detainees, and a temporary ceasefire following a collapsed agreement.

5️⃣ 🇺🇦🇷🇺 Kyiv hit by Russian strikes: Russian drone and missile strikes left Ukraine’s parliament and more than half of Kyiv’s homes without heating or power during sub-zero temperatures, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying around one million people were affected and at least four people were killed. He said interceptions cost about €80m in air-defence missiles and stressed Ukraine’s reliance on continued Western support.

6️⃣ 🇺🇸 US to cut NATO roles: The United States plans to cut about 200 personnel from NATO command and intelligence bodies, mainly through attrition, affecting planning, intelligence, special operations and maritime units. Officials said the reductions are limited but risk heightening European concerns about US commitment to NATO.

7️⃣ 🇨🇴 Colombia accuses ex-FARC rebels: Colombia’s Inspector General said former FARC rebels have failed to meet 2016 peace deal obligations by surrendering only part of the promised gold, land and cash for victim reparations. A former FARC commander cited security risks, loss of territory and lack of property titles as obstacles, while officials warned reparations funding remains insufficient.

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